LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the aftermath of Melissa Barrera's surprising firing from the upcoming film 'Scream VII', the actress has responded with a cutting statement.
Barrera shared a poignant quote from the legendary Nina Simone on her Instagram Story that read, "An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times." Barrera's ouster quickly followed her recent comments on social media regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Melissa Barrera weighs in on her termination
Barrera, known for her role as Sam Carpenter in the 2022 'Scream' alongside Jenna Ortega, took to Instagram to address her termination. “First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people," she said.
“As a latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need,” the 33-year-old posted on her Instagram story on Wednesday night, November 23.
What was Melissa Barrera's controversial post about?
The controversy ignited when Barrera, through a series of Instagram stories, shared her thoughts on the Israel-Hamas war, standing in solidarity with Palestine. Statements such as "I too come from a colonized country," accompanied by a Mexican flag emoji, sparked a dialogue on social media.
The actress quoted a popular activist poem, "They tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds." Barrera advocated for equal human rights, dignity, and freedom for every individual, regardless of their background.
"Every person on this earth — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status — deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom,” Barrera asserted. She added, "I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism. I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence."
She concluded her statement with a powerful declaration, "I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom. Silence is not an option for me."
Netizens stand firm in support of Melissa Barrera
A user tweeted, "I stand with this brave girl." Another added, "She needs to be brought back immediately." A third tweeted, "She's not holding back..go on." "Thug Life reply," read a tweet. "#MelissaBarrera you are an inspiration," stated a user.
